It’s no mystery to those who have spoken with me or know me that I agree with liberal politics much more than conservative politics. I wear the title “Special Snowflake” proudly, as I see it as more comical than as something meant to be offensive. In my politics, I unshakably stand for many “left” policies. However, I also appreciate the flip side of conservative policy and thought.
As someone who has just recently ventured to college and moved towards the life of independence, I sometimes question if the things I do advocate for are morally and logically sound. Should I defend those who have had or are seeking abortions? Does it make sense to have a law against inhumane acts in a market, or will the free market in America function and formulate a standard of production by itself? Should corporations be required to implement a higher standard of manufacturing in order to help the environment, or will corporations lose profit based on a certain societal, moral standards? I understand that even though I have my own opinions, there are other opinions that also make sense, but from a different perspective. This is exactly why I support the growth of Turning Point USA among college campuses.
Created by conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA and its members set up on college campuses to inform students about the policies and ideas of a free market model and a limited government role in every-day life. Turning Point USA is also a non-profit organization which prides itself on speaking with students face-to-face daily and holding over 5,000 activism events in its short life. The goal of TP USA is not to call liberals evil, to shame others for their beliefs, or to upset students. The mere point is to educate and encourage students to be politically active through conservatism in addition to understanding what they say they stand for.
On my campus, I have spoken with representatives of Turning Point USA; I have never been called names or told that my political beliefs are something to be ashamed of. I have been treated with respect and listened to when asking questions and trying to understand exactly what the organization stands for. Despite their slogan “Big Government Sucks,” I have yet to face backlash from these representatives despite revealing myself as someone who typically supports government intervention.
While spin-off projects of TP USA may seem frivolous to some such as the Professor Watchlist, in which students “leave a tip” about professors on their campus that "discriminate against conservative students and advance leftist propaganda,” the overall purpose of Turning Point USA and their message is a solid one. Do I advocate for limited government or for a totally free market? No, not necessarily. I don’t really agree with very many conservative arguments. But it is incredibly important to inform as many people as possible about political climate and different options, even if they are of policies that I don’t agree with. People need to know that there are many beliefs with sound evidence behind those statements; if we are to build a successful generation of citizens, we should do so by educating people as much as we can. Colleges are often dominated by liberal thought; students deserve to hear the opposition to that as well, and in an equally large way.
With ample education and less misinformation, our country’s future business leaders and innovators will be able to make more careful and precise opinions without hasty rhetoric or apathetic decision-making.
